Summer Schools FAQs

Upon arrival, you will normally be met by an institution representative at the airport. The representative will be holding a school sign, and will also be wearing the appropriate uniform. If you are under 12 years old and classed as an ‘unaccompanied minor', you will be introduced to the school representative by a member of airline staff. Once you have met the representative from the school, you will be assisted with your luggage and taken to the transport (usually a coach or minibus), which will take you to your chosen institution. Many schools have more than one representative on the coach, who will travel with you to your school and will serve refreshments and snacks.

Don't worry about your level of English. All teachers at your chosen school will be professionals in their field and are there to help you improve your English. Most teachers will be native English speakers with a lot of experience in dealing with international students. You will make many friends of different nationalities who all have the same goal in mind - to improve and practise their English!

All residential spring and summer schools are required by law to employ a qualified first-aider. This person, who should be available at the school 24 hours a day, will be able to help students who feel unwell or have suffered a minor injury. Many schools also have a registered nurse who is resident at the school. The nurse can help with more serious injuries and arrange hospital and doctor's appointments at short notice. The nurse is also a good person to speak to if you feel anxious about anything - for example, missing your family and friends, or any issues at the school during your stay.

Most schools have a varied style of accommodation, ranging from single and twin rooms with their own bathroom, to more traditional dormitories with up to six beds in the same room. When you make your reservation, you will have the opportunity to discuss the accommodation possibilities and select the one that is best for you.

Many programmes are ‘all-inclusive', with everything from tuition, accommodation and food to social activities and excursions included in the cost of your stay. You will also be provided with an English course book or a syllabus, around which your lessons are based. Many schools also include the entrance fees to excursion destinations in the cost of your stay. If you are enrolled on an all-inclusive course, the only extra money you should need is some pocket money - about £50 per week, for example.

When you make a reservation, your school should send you a detailed list of things to bring. When packing, remember that during the summer months of July and August it can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching 25°C and more. You will need clothes that you could play sport in, but you shouldn't need to bring a dictionary or phrase book, as most schools will provide these for you.

Further details of Our World English Schools' courses are available from: www.ourworldenglish.com